Joseph R. Daugherty
July 3, 1952 – May 22, 2024
A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, beginning at 1:00 p.m., at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 936 Lake St. Kalamazoo, MI 49001 with Fr. Leo Cartagena officiating. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 12:00 p.m., one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Boughten Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church, c/o the funeral home.
Obituary
Age 71, passed away at Medilodge of Portage on May 22, 2024. He was born in Detroit, MI, on July 3, 1952, the son of the late Howard and Isabelle (Wilson) Daugherty. He was also preceded in passing by a brother, Gerald Daugherty. Joe loved his family, his friends and was especially proud to be a father and grandfather. He leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. He had a voice that could carry the room which led to a career as a DJ on the radio. When not working he immersed himself in learning about history with a focus on the Civil War. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed making videos. He was fascinated with the Battle of Gettysburg and lived in the town for many years. He was born and raised Catholic, and his faith carried him through many times. Above all Joe loved spending time making memories with his children and grandchildren who knew him as “Papa Joe”. His smile, laughter and wisdom will be missed by all who loved him. Joseph is survived by four children, Scott (Melanie) Daugherty, Shanna Daugherty, Sarah (Jim) Berry and Samantha (Kyle) Pfost; seven grandchildren, Charlie, Ella Daugherty, Layla, Lillian, Lexi Berry, Jasmine, Jack Pfost; two siblings, Jim (Irene) Daugherty and Bill (April) Daugherty; nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Joe was a special guy that I knew through softball long before he got into radio. His 1st job was at a station I worked at. I guess he thought if Todd could do it…he could too and he was more than right. Joe was about the most laid back person I’ve ever known…except his first night in radio (the overnight shift) at WQXC. I was training him and at 12:20 when his song ended…he just sat there with a blank look and I said this is where you talk. He looked at me, looked back at the mic, kind of panicked and when he went to move the mic closer to his face…he smacked it so hard by accident that it smashed into the glass in front of the board I’m shocked it didn’t shatter. So Joe’s 1st break on the radio was pretty much drowned out by me laughing my azz off. Joe was a big history buff and one of the hugest Tiger fans I’ve ever known and will be missed.
I met Joe just after he started working at WQXC. I didn’t work with him that much, but really enjoyed talking to him when I had the opportunity. About that time, Johnny Carson was retiring and we were both big fans so it gave us more to talk about. He had a lot of interests, and did a great job. My deepest sympathies to his family.